Sapin II & Waserman Compliance: Whistleblowing in France
This course provides all staff with a clear understanding of whistleblowing obligations under France's Sapin II Law and the Waserman Law, covering how to raise concerns, the protections available, and what organisations must have in place to comply.
France has established one of Europe's most comprehensive whistleblowing frameworks through the Sapin II Law (Law No. 2016-1691 of 9 December 2016 on transparency, anti-corruption and the modernisation of economic life) and its landmark reinforcement through the Waserman Law (Law No. 2022-401 of 21 March 2022, transposing the EU Whistleblowing Directive 2019/1937). Together, these laws define who qualifies as a whistleblower, what disclosures are protected, how concerns must be reported, and what remedies are available when retaliation occurs.
This course is designed for all staff across your organisation. It explains your personal rights and responsibilities in plain terms, walks you through the reporting channels that must be available to you, and ensures you can recognise both the protections you are entitled to and the obligations your employer must fulfil. Whether you witness financial misconduct, a breach of health and safety rules, or any other serious wrongdoing, this course will equip you to act with confidence and in accordance with French law.
This is the All Staff course in a two-part compliance programme for France. A companion course provides deeper guidance for compliance officers, managers and those responsible for administering internal reporting systems. Completion of this course is expected of every member of staff as part of your organisation's commitment to an ethical, transparent and legally compliant workplace.
Course content
1. Module 1: The Legal Framework — Sapin II and the Waserman Law
- Lesson 1.1: From Sapin II to Waserman — How France Built Its Whistleblowing Framework
- Lesson 1.2: Who Is a Whistleblower Under French Law?
2. Module 2: What Can Be Reported — Scope of Protected Disclosures
- Lesson 2.1: What Information Is Protected When You Report It?
3. Module 3: How to Report — Internal and External Channels
- Lesson 3.1: Internal Reporting Channels — Your First Point of Contact
- Lesson 3.2: External Reporting — Competent Authorities and Public Disclosure
4. Module 4: Protections for Whistleblowers — Your Rights Under French Law
- Lesson 4.1: Protection from Retaliation
- Lesson 4.2: Financial Support, Confidentiality, and the Défenseur des droits
5. Module 5: Organisational Obligations and Your Role
- Lesson 5.1: What Your Organisation Must Have in Place
- Lesson 5.2: Your Personal Responsibilities as a Staff Member
6. Module 6: Applying the Framework — Scenarios and Key Takeaways
- Lesson 6.1: Real-World Scenarios — Recognising and Responding to Concerns
7. Final Assessment
- Final Assessment
- 11 lessons
- Pass mark: 80%
- Completion certificate
You'll need a learner account to enrol.
Pay for 2–500 seats in one purchase. You'll receive an access code to share with your team.
Total: $495.00 + GST
Completion requirements
- Lessons and modules must be completed in order — each unlocks when the previous one is finished.
- Quizzes must be passed (pass mark 80%).
- Your certificate is issued automatically when every lesson is complete.
Unlock this course for free with a code from your organisation.